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Mr. Caruso's Column
February 2010
This page last updated: 2/4/2010

Welcome to the website of the Bellevue High School Band program, home of the Wolverines! This site is intended to be a communication tool for band students and parents. Check back regularly throughout the year for information regarding the BHS ban ds.

February will be another busy (and short) month for the Bellevue HS band students! There are band events going on weekly, so keeping up with the band calendar is essential. It is each student’s responsibility to be keep track of his/her commitments. Parents , anything you can do to help keep your student organized and on time is appreciated!

Congratulations to all of the band students that performed at the Eastshore Region Solo & Ensemble Festival on January 30th. I believe it was a valuable learning experience for all participants. Hopefully, we can get more kids interested in performing at this event in future years. I am very pleased to acknowledge Brian lawrence who was recognized as the runner-up in the alto saxophone solo category. I am hopeful that he will be able to participate in the State Solo Contest at CWU in April. Congratulations, Brian!

The Wind Ensemble will be performing at the CWU Wind Ensemble Festival (March 5) and the Eastshore Region Band I Festival (March 9). The itinerary for the trip to CWU is now posted on this website. The students are preparing the following pieces: Suite of Old American Dances and Southern Hymn. Students must be practicing regularly. Our success depends upon your commitment to “own the part.” REQUIRED COMBINED REHEARSALS (winds & percussion) will be February 23, February 25, and March 4th during tutorial.

The Concert Band is working on three new pieces for the Spring Concert (March 18) as well as the Eastshore Region Band II Festival (March 23). Students must be practicing Fall River Overture, Irish Ayre for Winds, and American Riversongs. All instruments must be brought home for regular practice. Our success depends upon your commitment to “own the part.” Playing tests on the festival music are coming!

Congratulations to all the members of the Jazz Band on their recent performances at the Auburn-Riverside (1st place) and Viking Jazz Festivals! Moving forward, Jazz Band students have several new pieces to be working on as we are in the midst of “festival season.” Organize your sectionals, practice your solo changes, and be listening to your reference recordings religiously! On Sunday, March 14 the Jazz Band will be performing from 3 – 4pm at Tula’s Jazz Club in Seattle. Everyone is welcome to hear this performance! At this point our hotel rooms are reserved and the charter bus is booked for our trip next month to Spokane to compete in the Jazz Northwest Festival. Money for this trip is due by Friday, February 12! If you have not paid yet, please get your check ($135 payable to BHS) to Mr. Caruso ASAP!

Given the continued success of the girls and boys basketball teams, the pep band will likely be performing at upcoming basketball playoff games in February and March if they can reasonably be fit into our busy schedule. Details will be provided as they become available.

Students, registration for next year’s classes will be happening very soon. I would love to have all of you back in the band program next year! Whether it is percussion ensemble, concert band, wind ensemble, or jazz band; there is a place for everyone to feel successful and experience the joys of making music on a daily basis. I hope we can continue our pat tern of growth and musical excellence together in the years to come!

Parents and students, don’t forget that we will need your time and energy again for the 28th Annual Bellevue High School Jazz Festival on Friday April 30th and Saturday May 1st. Get involved in making your student’s musical experience more rewarding! The band program is better as a result of your support. Please go to the “ boosters ” link or contact Band Booster President Leslie Bigos for information.

Vince Caruso


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News

Pep Band: Basketball Pep Band Assignments

Jazz Band: Viking Itinerary

CWU Wind Ensemble Festival Itinerary

Congratulations Mr. Caruso!

Vince Caruso was named in "50 Directors who Make a Difference" by School Band & Orchestra Magazine. Read the profile here.

Congratulations Jazz Band!

1st Place in AAA Division Auburn-Riverside Jazz Festival

Quick Calendar click for Calendar

Viking Jazz Festival Feb 5 10am-10pm
Booster Meeting Feb 9 7pm
White Band Feb 11 5:15pm
All-State Band Feb 12-15 all days
CWU WE Festival Mar 5 all day
Eastshore Band I Festival Mar 9 all day
Jazz Band @ Tula's Mar 14 3-5pm
Spring Concert w/Chinook Mar 18 7:30pm
Jazz Northwest Mar 19-21 Spokane
Eastsore Region Band II Mar 23 all day
WMEA State Content Mar23-24 CWU
Bellevue Jazz Festival Apr30,May1 all day
Chinook Jazz Night May 25 7:30pm
Awards Concert Jun 1 7:30pm
Graduation Jun 14 6:30pm

click here for the 2009-2010 full calendar

Early is on time. On time is late. Late is unacceptable.

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